Next summer's excavations at Tel Rehov, Israel, will be held between June 25-August 2, 2007. Project staff member Nava Panitz-Cohen sent along this description and photographs of the proposed research. Tel Rehov is the largest mound in the Beth-Shean Valley, extending over 26 acres. Located about 6 km west of the Jordan River, Tel Rehov is about an hour and a half drive north from Jerusalem and a 30 minutes drive south from Tiberias. The mound dominates the north-south road through the Jordan Valley, as well as commanding the east-west route that ran from the coastal plain and Jezreel Valley in the west towards Jordan. The closest water source is a spring near the northeastern corner of the mound, and additional springs are to be found at short distances in this very fertile valley.
History of the Site
Rehov was the name of several cities mentioned in the Bible and other ancient Near Eastern sources. However, our Rehov in the Beth-Shean Valley is not mentioned in the Old Testament. It is however well known in several Egyptian sources, such as a cuneiform letter from Taanach dating to the fifteenth century BCE) and the stele of Seti I found at Beth-Shean (c. 1300 BCE). Another important reference is found in Shishak's list of conquered cities (c. 925 BCE).
Excavations
The excavations at Tel Rehov are directed by Prof. Amihai Mazar on behalf of the Institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University and sponsored by Mr. John Camp. The excavation has uncovered strata from the Early Bronze Age III,, the Late Bronze Age II, and particularly, the Iron Age IIA--the 10th and 9th centuries BCE. This latter period has been in the center of a recent controversy concerning the chronology and historical validity of the Israelite Monarchy. The many finds from Tel Rehov, including seals, inscriptions, ivory carvings, figurines, cult stands and hundreds of complete pottery vessels, as well as Carbon 14 dates obtained from burnt grain have provided crucial information in this ongoing debate.
The excavations at Tel Rehov are part of the Beth-Shean Valley Regional project, which emphasizes the dynamics of settlement changes and affinities over time in this all-important strategic region.
Plans for the 2007 season
We plan to continue our investigation of the 10th-9th century BCE levels, as well as to further expose the Iron Age I and Late Bronze IIB, with an emphasis on the transition between these two periods. We will also continue to uncover a huge fortification that surrounded the upper mound (Area B), dated to the 8th century BCE, as well as to uncover a rich Assyrian grave in that area.
Who Can Join Us?
The Tel Rehov excavations welcome volunteers from all over the world, between the ages of 18 and 70. No previous experience is required, just good health, great motivation and a positive attitude. We offer an academic field school (4 or 6 credits), with credit granted through the Rothberg School of Overseas Students, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This program is an excellent opportunity to get hands-on experience in field excavation and documentation, as well as a series of lectures and field trips offered by professional archaeologists.
Further Information
Further information can be found on the Tel Rehov project website.
- Tel Rehov project website
- Archaeological Digs in the Middle East
- Archaeological Dig 2007
- Field Schools in Focus, descriptions and photographs of upcoming field schools
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